. >> reporter: >> but across the state in abington, virginia, mitt romney cast doubt on those numbers. >> the truth is if the same share of people were participating in the workforce today as on the day the president was elected, or unemployment rate would be around 11%. that's the real reality of what's happening out there. >> the president's fairfax speechad been aimed at his record on women's issues, a group i says has been helped by his healthcare -- he says has been helped by his healthcare reform law. >> i don't think working mom in arlington should have to wait to get a mammogram because money is tight. don't think a college student in fairfax or charlottesville should have to choose between textbooks or the preventive care she needs. >> the president's supporters say this speech was a return to form for a president who they admit was off his game in the first debate. >> i recognize that. i don't know why that was. all i do know is that's the attitude he needs to bring to the next debate. >> clearly both these presidential campaigns covet virginia. this is president obama's 17t